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LaRoche comes off DL, in Nats' lineup

5/25/14: The Nationals broadcast team discusses Adam LaRoche's return to the lineup against the Pirates

By Bill Ladson
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Nationals |

PITTSBURGH -- The Nationals made it official Sunday, activating first baseman Adam LaRoche from the 15-day disabled list and optioning infielder Zach Walters to Triple-A Syracuse.

LaRoche returned to the active roster after being placed on the DL on May 11 (retroactive to May 10) with a right quad strain. In his first game back, LaRoche went 1-for-4 with a walk in a 5-2 victory over the Pirates.

"The leg felt great. I didn't feel a thing. It felt back to normal," LaRoche said. "It's great to be out there, it really is. I was sitting long enough. It's fun to be back. The timing [at the plate] was a little off. It has been a few days. It will get there. A day game against [Pirates left-hander] Francisco Liriano -- you can't expect it to be great."

Before going on the DL, LaRoche led all qualified Nationals in batting average (.319, 36-for-113), on-base percentage (.421), slugging percentage (.504) and OPS (.925). His five home runs were also tied with Danny Espinosa and Anthony Rendon for the team lead.

Walters, 24, hit .182 (6-for-33) with three home runs and four RBIs in 27 games with Washington.